Written by ” Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death” Isaiah 57:2
Aunty Emma Hammond, as I affectionately called her, was a senior sister & a friend. We met at Ridge hospital (now called Greater Accra Regional hospital) in the early 2000s when I came on transfer from Tetteh Quarshie Memorial hospital as a very young intern Health Service Administrator. We cordially worked together and related as senior and junior sisters. Aunty Emna was very instrumental in the achieving of the hospital’s folders. This gave those of us under studying her the opportunity to learn how documents, such as patients holders could be achieved after ten (10) years.  She was always happy to teach and impact in a very professional way.
- We went our various ways to work in other facilities. As fate would have it, we met again at the GHS HQ in 2018. A big sister as she was, she would always ask me in in her impeccable Fanti” Tess )tse d3n?”. We would then go on with our Fanti pleasanteries and chit chats bordering on our families and children. Surprisingly, I later got to know that Aunty Emma knew some of my family members in the Wesleyan ( Methodist) church. This deepened our friendship.
We worked together on few projects & it was a delight carrying out official assignments for her. She coordinated the placement of Ghana College of Nurses & Midwives (GCNM) Year 3 Residents program at the GHS HQ to help the Residents familiarize themselves with activities at the various Divisions of the Service.
Aunty Emma retired in 2024 and because of the bond we shared, we occasionally checked on each other. It came as a blow & shock when a colleaque and a sister asked me to check whether the news of her demise was true. I could not bring myself to believe it so I called her home only for the sad news to be confirmed.
Aunty Emma, I cherish the friendship that we shared, your affable spirit, the hearty & radiating smile you always put on. I have lost a senior sister & a friend, but Heaven has gained a precious gem. I vividly remember your dance at the last HQ end of year staff durbar.
It’s extremely difficult to say Goodbye.
You’re greatly missed.
Rest well Senior Sis
Nantsew yie Onua dofo
A sweet repose in the Lord, Aunty Emma
Junior Sis, Theresa Sekoh